As Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing chatted quietly, Qin Keqing couldn't help but keep her head down, eating her meal in silence.
Once breakfast was done, Lin Daiyu took it upon herself to guide Qin Keqing around the territory, showing her the various buildings.
To Qin Keqing's surprise, most of the facilities were fascinating and innovative, but she found herself utterly baffled by one in particular.
"A fragrant… restroom?" Qin Keqing muttered, tilting her head slightly. "What manner of sorcery is this?"
Lin Daiyu chuckled softly. "It's a long story, Keqing."
Later that evening, around 10 PM, Lucian sat alone in his chair, organizing his collection of Void Origin Stones and Void Crystals. His thoughts turned to strategy—how best to use these resources for the days ahead.
He was no stranger to the escalating waves of monstrous invasions. Every day, the threat grew more overwhelming, yet the rewards were equally extraordinary.
"Void Crystals are this world's hard currency," Lucian mused. "The more I have, the better."
He tapped his fingers against the table. "For now, they're mostly for replenishing inventories, repairing structures, and recruiting troops or heroes. As for Void Origin Stones… those are for the long game."
Just as he was deep in thought, the cabin door creaked open.
Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing entered hand in hand, each donning fresh attire. Their damp hair was pinned up with jade hairpins, their skin glowing with a soft sheen, evidence of their recent bath using the Moonlit Well.
Their radiance made the dim cabin lights seem dull in comparison.
"Lucian," Lin Daiyu said, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "You should bathe, too. After all, the Moonlit Well is quite magical, isn't it?"
Her voice carried a playful note that seemed to hint at something more.
Lucian coughed awkwardly, quickly gathering his things as he left the cabin.
Unlike the two women, who had enjoyed the luxury of the Red Pavilion's bathing room, Lucian opted for a simpler approach. Armed with a towel, soap, and a bucket of water from the Moonlit Well, he headed to the fence and bathed outdoors.
In the cold, unyielding expanse of the Void, modesty wasn't much of a concern. With no other settlers nearby, he had no fear of prying eyes.
"This'll do," Lucian muttered as he dried off, shivering slightly in the chilly air.
When Lucian returned to the cabin, he found the two women sitting side by side on the bed, engaged in quiet conversation.
As he entered, Qin Keqing turned her gaze toward him, her large, expressive eyes widening slightly. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she quickly looked away.
"Keqing," Lin Daiyu said, lightly patting her companion's hand. "Help him dry off, won't you?"
"Huh?" Qin Keqing blinked, startled. She hesitated for a moment before rising to her feet and giving Lucian a shy bow.
"It's alright, really—" Lucian began, only to trail off as Qin Keqing summoned her innate ability, the ethereal Wind and Moon Sword.
The blade shimmered as she lightly waved her hand.
The residual moisture and chill clinging to Lucian vanished almost instantly, drawn toward her outstretched palm before evaporating into the air.
Lucian's eyes widened in amazement. "You can use magic like that? That's incredible!"
"Power isn't just for destruction," Lin Daiyu interjected, her tone serene yet firm. "Keqing's talent is unique. With time, she'll discover even greater applications for it."
Qin Keqing blushed at the praise, lowering her gaze.
"Alright," Lin Daiyu said, turning her attention to the bed. "It's late. Let's rest. Tomorrow will bring new challenges."
She slipped off her shoes and climbed into bed, her movements graceful yet unpretentious.
Qin Keqing froze, realization dawning on her as Lin Daiyu made herself comfortable.
"Wait… are we… all sharing this space?"
Lucian hesitated, then awkwardly muttered, "I guess I'll sleep on the floor…"
But before he could act on his words, Lin Daiyu's melodic voice cut through the tension.
"What are you afraid of, Lucian?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.
Something about her tone spurred him into action. With a huff, he climbed into the bed, laying beside her.
Seeing this, Qin Keqing seemed torn. She fidgeted nervously, glancing toward the chair in the corner as though considering retreating to it.
After a moment of deliberation, she let out a soft sigh. Removing her shoes, she cautiously climbed into bed as well, settling on Lucian's other side.
As the oil lamp's flame dimmed, the cabin grew dark.
Though the night was quiet, Qin Keqing found it difficult to sleep. She turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on Lucian. His features were softened in slumber, a faint smile on his face.
"He must be so tired…"
Lin Daiyu's voice came softly through the darkness. "He works hard. Let him rest."
Qin Keqing nodded faintly, her heart swelling with unspoken gratitude. For the first time in a long while, she felt… safe.
Closing her eyes, she leaned closer to Lucian, her worries fading into the warmth of the moment.